Extraction Methods: Coal can be mined through different methods, such as surface mining (open-pit mining, strip mining) or underground mining (longwall mining, room and pillar mining). The choice of method depends on factors like depth of the coal seam, geological conditions, and environmental considerations.
Transportation from Mine: Once coal is extracted, it needs to be transported from the mine face to the processing area. This is often done using haul trucks, conveyor belts, or in some cases, via slurry pipelines for longer distances.
Processing and Stockpiling:
Preparation: At the processing facility, raw coal undergoes several steps to prepare it for market. This typically includes crushing the coal to reduce its size, screening to separate it into different sizes, and sometimes washing to remove impurities like sulfur and ash.
Quality Control: Quality control measures may be implemented during processing to ensure the coal meets certain specifications required by customers or regulatory standards.
Stockpiling: Processed coal is then stockpiled in large outdoor storage areas near the mine or at facilities closer to transportation hubs. Stockpiles allow for efficient management of inventory and help ensure a steady supply of coal to meet demand fluctuations.
Transportation to Jetty:
Modes of Transport: Coal can be transported from the mine to the jetty by various means, including trucks, trains, or conveyor belts. The choice of transport mode depends on factors such as distance to the jetty, infrastructure availability, cost considerations, and environmental impact.
Handling Facilities at Jetty: At the jetty, specialized handling facilities are typically available to receive coal from trucks or trains. These facilities may include conveyor systems, storage silos, and loading equipment to transfer coal from inland transportation to the vessels waiting at the dock.
Loading onto Vessel:
Loading Operations: Once coal reaches the jetty, it is loaded onto vessels for transportation to domestic or international markets. Loading operations are carefully managed to ensure safe and efficient transfer of coal from the jetty to the vessel.
Loading Equipment: Various types of loading equipment may be used, including ship loaders, conveyor belts, and cranes. These systems are designed to handle bulk quantities of coal and can load vessels of different sizes and configurations.
Trimming and Stowage: As coal is loaded into the vessel's holds, attention is paid to achieving proper trim and stowage to ensure stability during transit. Trained personnel oversee the loading process to prevent overloading and maintain safety standards.